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High-flying Liverpool travel to the north-east to face Newcastle United who have just won twice this season. In contrast, Jurgen Klopp’s team are riding high on confidence after beating Southampton 6-1 at St.Mary’s in the League Cup.
Jurgen Klopp has brought in a sense of optimism around Liverpool, and they’re now being considered as title challengers after registering big away wins against Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton. The Reds are sixth in the Premier League, nine points off the summit with a game in hand after a difficult start of the season under former manager Brendan Rodgers. Meanwhile, the home side find themselves in 19th place in the table.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Channel: Star Sports 2 and Star Sports HD2
Live Stream: starsports.com
Date and Time: Saturday, 6 December 2015 – 21:45 IST (16:15 BST)
Venue: St.James’ Park
Team News
Newcastle United have as many as 10 players unavailable due to injury. Michael Williamson was recalled from his loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but picked up an injury during training and is ruled out of the game. Cheick Tiote is also likely to miss the game having not recovered from the groin injury yet. Jamaal Lascelles, Massadio Haidara, Rolando Aarons, Tim Krul, Gabriel Obertan, Steven Taylor and Emmanuel Riviere are all out injured.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed Philippe Coutinho might not be risked against Newcastle United after the Brazilian felt a bit discomfort in his hamstring despite training for the entire week. German international Emre Can is suspended for the game after he picked up his fifth booking of the season against Southampton in the Capital One Cup.
French international Mamadou Sakho is still recovering from his knee injury and is expected to return around Christmas. Joe Gomez and Danny Ings are long-term injury concerns and won’t feature in the matchday squad. Young stars Jordan Rossiter and Jon Flanagan are also recovering from injury, and it is unlikely they will play a part tomorrow.
Daniel Sturridge scored twice in the midweek against Southampton in his first start under Jurgen Klopp and is expected to start again. Roberto Firmino was rested against Southampton and is also likely to start as well. Jordon Ibe played a brilliant cameo against Southampton, and might get a start in the absence of Philippe Coutinho. Jordan Henderson has also returned from his injury, but he is not expected to start yet.
Probable Lineups
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Elliot, Janmaat, Coloccini, Mbemba, Dummett, Colback, Anita, Sissoko, Perez, Wijnaldum, Cisse
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Lucas, Milner, Lallana, Ibe, Firmino, Sturridge
Form
Newcastle United have won just once in their last five games which came against Bournemouth in the Premier League thanks to a goal from Ayoze Perez. Newcastle’s poor form started against Sunderland where they lost 3-0 before earning a draw against Stoke. After their win against Bournemouth, they fell to a 3-0 defeat to Leicester City, and a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.
Last 5 matches: L-D-W-L-L (Last match: Crystal Palace 5-1 Newcastle United)
Liverpool are high on confidence having won 7 of their last 8 games, and have the chance to make it 5 consecutive wins if they win against Newcastle tomorrow. Their only defeat under Jurgen Klopp came against Crystal Palace at Anfield with Scott Dann scored a late winner for the visitors. Since that defeat, they have beaten Manchester City, Bordeaux, and Swansea. They won their last game 6-1 against Southampton in the Capital One Cup, thanks to a hat-trick from Belgian international Divock Origi, and a brace from Daniel Sturridge.
Last 5 matches: L-W-W-W-W (Last match: Southampton 1-6 Liverpool)
Key Stats
- This fixture has the highest goal per game average (3.14 – 132 goals in 42 games) of games to have been played at least 34 times in the Premier League history.
- Liverpool have scored more goals against Newcastle than any other side (86)
- Seven red cards have been shown in the last seven Premier League games between the two sides.
- Daniel Sturridge has scored more goals against Newcastle than any other side (6)
- Steve McClaren has faced Jurgen Klopp twice earlier during his time with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and his team lost on both occasions against Borussia Dortmund.
- Not one English player has scored for Newcastle United this season (along with Southampton and Stoke City).
Key Battles
Daniel Sturridge vs Chancel Mbemba
There are very few strikers in the world as good as Daniel Sturridge when he is fit. The 26-year-old has an impressive goal scoring ratio and, despite several injuries, he seems to be in clinical touch. He scored twice in his first start under Jurgen Klopp against Southampton and will lead Liverpool’s attack against Newcastle United, who have several first choice defenders injured.
Young defender Chancel Mbemba will find it difficult to keep Sturridge quiet throughout the game, and he should be aware of his runs. Sturridge likes running behind defenders and can punish Newcastle if he finds space inside the penalty box.
Roberto Firmino vs Fabricio Coloccini
The Brazilian star was rested against Southampton and is fresh for the game against Newcastle. Firmino took some time to settle in at Merseyside, but he has now found his form. He played a crucial part in away wins against Chelsea and Manchester City. Firmino is clinical in front of the goal, passes the ball really well, and his spatial awareness makes him a key player for the Reds. Coloccini must use his experience well to keep him quiet in the game or Newcastle United might risk another thrashing against Liverpool.
Prediction
It is difficult to look past Liverpool right now who are even more clinical on the road. The Reds won big against Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton away from home, and considering both sides’ recent form, it is very likely Liverpool will get all the three points at St.James’ Park.
Predicted score: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool
Betting Odds (bet365)
Newcastle – 5/1
Draw – 10/3
Liverpool – 3/5
